ISLAMABAD: The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and family members to leave its consulates in Lahore and Karachi due to security risks following the outbreak of hostilities between Washington and Tehran, the US mission in Pakistan said on Wednesday.

The US Department of State issued the order on March 3, citing the ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights across the region after fighting began between the United States and Iran on Feb. 28.

The advisory also comes as demonstrations against US-Israeli strikes in Iran turned violent in Pakistan over the weekend. At least 23 protesters were killed in clashes across the country, including 10 in the southern port city of Karachi where security at the US consulate fired on demonstrators who breached the outer perimeter, 11 in the northern city of Skardu where a crowd torched a UN office, and two in Islamabad.

“On March 3, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and the family members of US government personnel from US Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks,” the US mission said in a statement.

“Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.” 

The statement clarified that there has been no change to the operational status of the US Embassy in Islamabad, which continues to function normally.

The advisory warned that Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid, citing risks of terrorism, violent extremism and criminal activity in various parts of the country. 

“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Pakistan,” the advisory said, noting that militant groups have historically targeted transportation hubs, markets, hotels, places of worship and government buildings.

US government personnel stationed in Pakistan operate under strict movement restrictions and are often required to travel with armed escorts and armored vehicles outside major cities. The State Department said its ability to assist US citizens remains limited in some parts of the country due to security constraints.

The advisory cautioned citizens about demonstrations, noting that local law requires permits for protests and that foreigners can face detention for participating in demonstrations or posting content online considered critical of the Pakistani government or military.

The advisory reiterated existing travel warnings for several regions of Pakistan, including Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, where militant groups have carried out frequent attacks against civilians, security forces and foreign nationals.

The US mission urged American citizens in Pakistan to monitor local media, avoid protests and crowded areas, maintain updated travel documents and develop contingency plans in case of an emergency departure.